Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,115, John Farmer, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Farmer John Sarah
W 16 115
CONTENTS

New Hampshire 3104
Sarah Farmer widow of John Farmer who was a Lieutenant in the New Hampshire line for 8 mo 21 days N.H.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of one hundred Sixty Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the Second day of December 1843 and sent to
Ms. Sarah Farmer Pembroke New Hampshire
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 18

Declaration of Sarah Palmer

State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss. 5
On this eighteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine personally appeared before me Abner Chase Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Merrimack Sarah Farmer a resident of Boscawen in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire aged eighty eight years this day, who, being first duly sworn according to law doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 intitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows;"
That she is the widow of John Farmer who was, as she believes, an a Soldier and an officer in the Revolutionary service. That she has good reason to believe, and does verily believe, both from what she has often heard the said John and others relate of and concerning the Revolutionary War, that in the month of April 1775 when the said John Farmer went as a volunteer from Billerica Mts. to Concord Mts. where it was expected the British Troops were then intending to march at immediately after this alarm the said John Farmer went to Cambridge as a volunteer and there enlisted into the regular service for the term of eight months. That some time during said eight months service he was commissioned and served as Lieutenant and served out his full term of eight months. That she is not able to state the term of his service when he volunteered and went to Concord nor the company, Regiment or name of any officer under whom he served any of the term aforesaid.
That she believes, and has often heard him say, that in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven he again entered the service as Lieutenant in Capt Hunt's Company and Col. Jacob Gerrish's Regiment. That he served at Winter Hill and thereabout in in said Company and Regiment till the month of December 1778 when he with other officers and Soldiers were detached as a Guard to Escort the German Troops who were held as prisoners at Winter Hill, from thence to Enfield in Connecticut. That

on his return from Enfield he again joined his Company and Regiment and was soon after discharged.
That she has no documentary evidence of her aforesaid service other than what is herewith exhibited. That from what she recollects of having heard her said husband repeatedly state in relation to his services, and together with such evidence of the same as she has been able to collect and is hereto annexed, she verily believes he performed all the aforesaid services.
That she does not now recollect of having known or heard of his ever having performed other service in the Revolution, but she would respectfully refer to the papers and documents now on file in the war department for confirmation of her aforesaid declaration, and humbly hopes, that if said papers and documents may furnish evidence of further service, the same shall be extended to her benefit.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Farmer at Dracut Ms by Parker Darnum a Justice of the Peace on the eighteenth day of March seventeen hundred eighty nine; that her husband the said John Farmer died at Billerica Ms. on the tenth day of January eighteen hundred and six.
That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated.
Witness Horace Chase
Judith F Noyes
Sarah
her mark Farmer
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me Horace Chase Judge of Probate
I certify that by reason of bodily infirmity the said Sarah Farmer was not able to attend court and her aforesaid declaration was taken at her residence in Concord
Horace Chase Judge of Probate

I, Polly Rogers, wife of David Rogers of Freshbury in the County of Middlesex Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of sixty four years of age, on oath depose & say, that I am the fourth daughter of Lt. John Farnum, who died in Billerica in said County of Middlesex, on the tenth day of January in the year of our Lord, Eighteen Hundred & six, - That I recollect of frequently hearing my said Father, speak of being in the eight months service at Cambridge, of being in the battle of Bunker Hill, - That he spoke of discharging the duties of a Lieutenant & Quarter Master, in the service, but at what particular time of his service he discharged those duties, I do not recollect. -
I have an impression, that he was made Lieut, immediately upon going into the service.
That I have frequently heard my said Father, speak of being in the Lexington battle, of picking up a ramrod, that struck near where he stood, which ramrod he preserved, & I have often seen it, and as myself and two of my Sisters were married, we each of us, had a piece of the same, manufactured into a wheel spindle, as a curiosity - Polly Rogers

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Middlesex. ss. June 27 th A.D. 1839.
Then personally appeared the above named Polly Rogers, who is well known to me, and whose testimony, is entitled to full credit, and made oath to the truth to the within affidavit by her subscribed.
Before me Marshall Preston. Jus. of the Peace for S. County of Middlesex.

An extract from the Town Records for the Town of Dracut, County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
"Mr John Farmer of Billerica, entered with me his intentions of Marriage, the widow Sarah Adams of Dracut
Dated Dracut. February 21 st 1789"
William Hildreth Jut. Town Clerk."
I, Henry Richardson of Dracut, County and Commonwealth aforesaid, depose & say, that I hold the office of Clerk in the said Town of Dracut and that the above is a true extract from the Records of marriages of said Town - and I further depose & say, that diligent search has been made in said Records and no record of marriages, solemnized by Parker Varnum Esq, now deceased, can be found in said Records. Henry Richardson, Town Clerk } of Dracut.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex p. June 27 th 1839-
Sworn to before me
Marshall Preston. Jus. of the Peace

An Extract from the Town Records for the Town of Billerica, county of Middlesex and Com- monwealth of Massachusetts.
"John Farmer.
John, son of John & Sarah Farmer was born Dec r , 11 th 1791.
Hannah, daughter of John and Sarah Farmer was born Dec r , 15, 1794.
Deceased John Farmer, departed this life, January 9 th 1806 aged 69.
I Marshall Preston, of Billerica, county of Common- wealth aforesaid, depose and say that I hold the Office of Clerk in the said town of Billerica and that the above are true extracts from the Records of Births & Deaths of said Town, Marshall Preston. { Town Clerk of Billerica.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex. ss. January 15 th AD. 1840. Sworn to before me
John Baldwin Justice Peace.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Am
File No. 16115
Sarah Farmer Widow of John Farmer Lieut Rev War
Act March 3 rd 48
Index: Vol. a , Page 227
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Farmer, John Mass W16/15
Recat Solomon Wilson

Nixon Rev Readfull Billerica May 25 th 1728 Rec d of Lt John Farren one hundred And thirty Pounds for Service Nine Months in the Continental army Solomon Willson

Next see Farmer's Redwin for Bull.
Farmer, John Mass N 16115
Jonathan Bailey Recat

Jonathan Bailey Recat
Farnex, John Mass W 16/15
not at Farnex Refused to Buy

Mr Charnes Barnes Barnes
Farmer, John Mass W 16/15
Jonathan Bailey Local

Wilberforce May 24 th 1778 Rec d of Lt John Hammon one hundred and And twenty Pounds for Serving Nine Months in the Continental army Jonathan Bailey

Waggoner
Forney, John Mass 11/16/15
Thomas Brown 1-2-68

Farmer, John Mass W16115
Thomas Brown recd

Billerica June the 2-1778 Recd of Lt John Garrison Vesty pained Lawful Money for services as a soldier in the militia at the Nantucket Rivers for the term of eight months pay paid by Me
Thomas Brownrigg
12-5

Edward Farmer
Recat
Farmer, John Mass. W 16115

Billerica June 1 1778
Recd of Lt John Farmer Ninety pounds, for serving eight months in the Militia to go to the and Guard the passages of the North River Recd by me Edward Farmer

Benia Baldwin inner Recat
Farmer, John Mass W 16/15

Benia Salicornia  camer Recat
Farmer, John Mass W 16715

Calleria May 28 th 1778
Rec d of L t John Farmer Twenty one hundred and twenty Pounds lawful Money for Serving Vincennes in The Continental Army Benjamin Baldwin

1880.
P. Hampshire
Sarah Farmer,
widow of
John Farmer, dec d who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 10. Dec. 1806 of Merrimack in the State of N. H., who was a Lieut: in the Comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col. Gernish in the N. H. line for 8. mo. 21. ds:
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord, at the rate of 116 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Nov. 1842 and Seal. Hoon. Franklin Pierce. Concord, N.H.
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1841 Semi-annual allowance ending
580
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo. S. Wood Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 140

Sarah Farmer, N. H. widow of John No 6674 - act 1838-
Let to Hon. F. Pierce 14 Mar y 39 to same 18 July 1840 to same 18 Aug y 40 to same 3 Feby y 41.
Act of July '38

Salisbury V. H. Feby.
1040.
Dear Sir.
Herewith you will receive the declaration (2 a few other papers in support of the claim) of Mrs Sarah Farmer, widow of John Farmer decd (who was of Billerica Mass.) claiming a pension for the service of her late husband in the Revolutionary War, under the Act of July 7 th 1830.
The affidavit of William Gleason (a man and Polly Rogers daughter of John Farmer neighbor) goes to show that Farmer turned out on the memorable 19 th of April 1775, went to meet the British at Concord, engaged in the service at Winterhill, or thereabouts, was made a Lieutenant, as it was then said, & took & received the title of Lieut. from that time - The Massachusetts rolls will show how this is, whether he was a Lieut. Penn. Levys or Private in the Mass. Service in 1775.
The extract from the Town book of Billerica, of the state of said town in April 1777, shews him credited £3-0-0 & deducted from his taxes that year, which was either for his service of eight months in 1775 or for going into the Continental Army at that time.

To wit. in April 1777. & if it was for his entering the service in 77. he was probably guarding the passages of the North River and at the taking of Burgoyne was of the guard to the prisoners then taken, from place of surrender to Winterhill & remained of said guard at Winterhill &c, until they were escorted from Winterhill to Enfield. in Decr, 1778 or the month of January 1779.
The old receipts of "Edward Farmer Junr & Thomas Brown Junr" (dated (Farmer Junr 1 st Brown Junr 2 nd 1778) acknowledging to have received of Lieut John Farmer, Sixty pounds (lawfull money) for service eight months in the Militia, to guard the passages of the North River - (which were found among Farmers old papers & con. he identified) carry the appearance, that Farmer was an officer then, received their pay of the paymaster, or other source & paid the same over to them at home.
The affidavit of Adjutant Adams, shews, that John Farmer was a Lieut in Capt Hunts company, in Greville's Regt. to guard Burgoyne's prisoners, from early in November 1778. to the time they were sent to Enfield, which was the latter part of Decr 1778. or fore part of Janry 1779. Whether 2 Paul Hunt go to the whole time that the prisoners were kept at Winterhill &c -
The extract from Town book, shews the intention of Marriage entered in Brant Febry. 21 st 1789.

Now if Farmer was in the service at Winter Hill in 1775. eight months. and again in April 1777 turned out either in the Continental army, or in Militia, to guard the South river passages, (one of which he must have done, or he would not have received the £3-0-0 credit on his taxes in that year - to wit - 1777) and remained in the service to the first of January 1779. he performed about twenty eight months service in the War of the Revolution -
Much time & expense has been bestowed upon the preparation of this case and it is hoped, that, an examination of rolls in the War department of the Massachusetts Militia, or Continental line, will show, that the widow is entitled to a pension for two years service of her late husband, in some capacity, & the greater part, if not all, as a Levant
A report of the result of the examina- -tion of Farmers services, is desired, if it should fall short of two years -
The marriage was solemnized by Parker Varnum Esq. then of Dracut great search has been made for his record, but without success. Therefore extract from the Town book of Bellerive of the births of their children, is the best evidence of the Marriage, which can be obtained -

For any further explanation in this case, please address me - if a certificate should be granted, please inclose it to me -
With considerations of high respect & esteem - I am Your most obedt Servt -
Israel W. Kelly
Rev Franklin Pierce U.S. Senate. Washington D.C.
P.S. In addition to the receipts of Lieut. Farmer Jr. & Thos. Brown Jr. for service in the Militia to guard the South river passages - I send you the receipts of Solomon Wilson, Benf. Baldwin Jr. & Jonathan Bailey. all dated Billerica May 25 th 1778. for acknowledging to have received of Lieut. John Farmer one hundred & twenty pounds, lawful money, for service since muster in the Continental Army - If any of these old papers should become material in the case, sent them to me & I will get them identified as among Lieut. John Farmer's old papers. I took them from an old trunk of his papers & have had them in my possession, since the Summer of 1830 - Yours &c. Israel W. Kelly

I Dorcas Stearns of Dracut in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow of Oliver Stearns deceased, of fifty one years of age, on oath depose & say that I am the daughter of the late Parker Varney, Esq. late of said Dracut deceased, that I will recollect that my said Father the said Parker Varney, dec d , was extensively employed in solemnizing marriages, and that he kept a book in which the marriages, solemnized by him were recorded - that I will recollect the appearance of the Book having frequently examined it; - that I have not seen said Book since my father's decease, altho' frequent searches have been made for the same.
Dorcas Stearns
Middlesex ss. July 5 th 1839. Then personally appeared the above named Dorcas Stearns, a woman whom testimony can be safely relied upon for truth and made oath to the truth of the above statement by her subscribed
Before me Marshall Preston Jus. of the Peace

Mrs Fawcett from Capt. Adams book &c.
Hon. F. Pierce Senate MS

I certify that I have this day examined a manuscript volume consisting of 52 leaves in folio form, which volume is the property of Josiah Adams Esq. of Newbury in the State of Massachusetts, who was for a certain period of time, in the War of the Revolution, Adjutant of the Regiment of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Col. Jacob Gerrish. Said manuscript is nearly filled with entries, written apparently by the same hand, and having the appearance of age & authenticity, and which the said Adams has testified to be his own proper handwriting, written by him as such Adjutant, while said Regiment was stationed at Winter Hill. Said entries consist of what purports to be Lists of the officers & men in said Regiment, Weekly Returns thereof, and other matter appertaining thereto, of all which it appears to be an original record. The earliest date of Weekly Returns which I find thereon is April 3rd 1778, and the latest December 11th 1778; and the volume appears to be in continuation of that which is described in my Certificate of the 19th

November 1840.
- I further certify that I have examined the paper hereto annexed, as authenticated by William West Esq. Notary Public, and I have compared the same with the original in the manuscript volume above described, and I find it to be a true & exact copy of one of the Weekly Returns & of a List of Capt. Hunt's Company contained in said manuscript volume, as set forth in said West's copy thereof.
C. Cushing H. of Reps.
Newbury Port 20 Nov. 1840

A Weekly return of the Regt of Guards - commanded by Col. G. Gerrish - April 3 1778
   Commissioned Officers Staff Officers Non Comm Effectives Account of mounting to Alterations since   Colonel Lieut Col Major Captain Subalterns Ensign Chaplain Adjutant Quartermaster Surgeon Mate Sergeants Drums Fifers Rank and file for duty Sick & leave Sick in Quarters Sick Absent On leave On furlough Total Sergeants D & F Rank & File Admitted Deceased Discharged Disbanded     Capt. Dodge 1 1 1 1 1 " " 1 1 " " 2 1 1 47 " " " " " 47   Capt. Brown " " " 1 1 " " " " " " 2 1 " 44 " " " " " 44   Capt. Waterman " " " 1 2 1 " " " " " 3 " 1 44 " " " " " 44   Capt. Wood " " " 1 2 " " " " " " 4 " 1 50 1 " " 2 2 55   Cpt. Bodwell " " " " 1 1 " " " " " 1 " " 20 " " " " " 20   Capt. Preble " " " 1 2 1 " " " " " 3 1 2 46 " " " " " 46   Total No 1 1 1 5 9 3 " 1 1 " " 15 3 3 257 1 " " 2 2 257   Capt. Wyman " " " 1 1 1 " " " " " 4 1 " 32 6 " 5 1 " 44   Capt. Dummer " " " 1 1 1 " " " " " 4 " " 31 " " " 11 2 44   Total. " " " 2 2 2 " " " " " 8 1 " 63 6 " 5 12 2 88  
Winter Hill April 2 1778
Drummer sick absent

A list of Capt Hunt's Company in Colo Yerrish's Reg t
Commissioned { Simon Hunt Capt Richard Skinner 1 st Lieut Jno Scamner 2 nd Lieut
Sergeants { Isaac Troster Elijah Hildroth Isaac Green Isaac Gregory
Corporals { Isaac Gregory, advanced Serg Sept 1 st Daniel Robbins Daniel Rude Jno Scamner Eliz d Baldwin
Drum & Fife { Nathan Lock Tifer David Barker Drummer.
Privates ----- Privates
No  1 Thomas Hartwell  2 Jno Dutton  3 Simon Parker  4 William Blodgett  5 John Scamner, advanced to a Corp l Sept 1 st  6 Jonathan Jones  7 Samuel Adams  8 Charles Miles  9 Eliakim Reed  10 Samuel Farnwell  11 Wm m Sam l Whittaker disch d Sept 2 nd  12 David Hartwell  13 Silly Mason  14 Samuel Jaquish 
   No Privates    15 Jno s Burness  16 Nathaniel Wynn  17 Samuel Fletcher  18 Wm m Davis  19 Joseph Perry  20 Isaac Whittaker discharged Sept 14  21 Nathan Merrill  22 Wm m Chandler  23 Jno s Trull  24 Jno s Wheeler  25 Sam l Chaffin dis d Aug t  26 Nathan Hunt  27 Reuben Coburn  28 Asa Hall  29 Timothy Davis  30 Jno s Wilson  31 Ebenezer Balder (advanc d to Cor Sept 15)  32 Israel Billings  33 Jno s Willichns  34 Daniel Gultorn  35 Ebenezer Harrington disch d 5 th Reg t  36 Thom s Gove  37 Benj m Lawrence  38 Nephemiah Warren  39 Joseph Billings  40 Daniel Shedd  41 Daniel Kemp  42 Nephemiah Holden discharged Sept 14  43 Thomas Baker -- (Co d )  

Common-wealth of Massachusetts.
Essex ss. To all to whom these presents shall come, I William Wood, Notary Public for the county of Essex, by legal authority commissioned and sworn; and a Justice of the Peace and Quorum in and for said County, residing in Newburyport aforesaid do hereby certify, and make known, to all whom the same shall come or may concern, that the within written are true and exact copies of the records from a manuscript volume, in the hands of Deacon Adams Gage of Newbury, and declared by him to be in his hand writing and written by him while he was Adjutant of a Regiment of Massachusetts Militia under the command of Jacob Gernish, in the War of the rebellion - which volumes have often been seen and examined by me during the past twenty years, with other manuscripts of said Adams, which I believe to be his original records, made by him while he was in said service.
In Testimony whereof, I do also hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of Office, this nineteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and sixty.
W. Wood Not. Pub. for Pa
Newbury Port 20 Nov. 1840 I certify that the foregoing is the signature of William Wood Esq. Notary Public a Justice of the Peace of the County of Essex a State of Massachusetts; and the same is the copy from Adjutant Adams manuscript as before described. C. Cushing

I, William Gleason of Billerica, in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of twenty four years of age do hereby depose and say that at the commencement of the Revolutionary war in the year, 1775 I was well acquainted with one John Farmer, who then lived in said Billerica and was a near neighbor to me - that the said Farmer on the 19 th of April, 1775 came to notify my father that the British had left Boston and were coming to Concord - that my father & said Farmer both started off & went to Concord - that said Farmer, immediately after the Battle, at Concord, volunteered and went to the "lines" as it was then called, that is to Cambridge & there entered into the Eight months' service and according to my recollection served the said term. -
I also recollect that he received a Lieutenant's commission in that service as it was then said - I know that he received the title of Lieutenant at that time & was ever after called so.
I further testify that said Farmer's second wife, the present widow Farmer of Bosconer, immediately after the death of her husband moved from Billerica to Bosconer or some other place in the State of New Hampshire, as I have been informed -
William Gleason
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss. July 20 th 1839 -

Quint John Farmer Adf. Adams explanatory afft. -
77

I, Josiah Adams of Newbury, County of Essex & County of Massachusetts aged eighty three years, depose & say, that in November 1777 I was appointed Adjutant of the Regt of Guards, stationed at Winterhill, commanded by Col Jacob Grevick, & continued in said office while the German Prisoners were sent off to Connecticut in Decr 1778 and was of the Guard to escort the said prisoners to Enfield, that Lieut John Farners was also an officer of detached escort Guard at the same time -
I further depose by way of addition to an affidavit, which I have been to give d of the service of said John Farners, and in part to explain the same therein that the said John Farners, although a Lieut, had the command of the company for some time, of which Lieut was Capt. On receiving to book kept at the time of the weekly returns of the several companies in said Regt of Guards on the return dated April 30 th 1778, Farners is called Lieut of the company - that the first appearance of Capt. Hems name at the head of the company is July 17 th 1778 - that Capt. Hems name stands as commander down to December 11 th 1778 - Lieut Farners is detailed for duty in various places on the books, until the prisoners were sent off to Enfield -
On the 22 d of September 1778 his name is placed to a must to Col Grevick for seven fire arms, to be returned on or before the first day of Jan y next -

The book details for duty & orders is the follow- -ing - "Head quarters Boston Dec r 10 th Subaltern for Second for tomorrow Lieut Farmer D. - Newbury July 3 d 1840
Josiah Adams
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. Town of Newbury July 3 d 1840. The foregoing appear the above named Josiah Adams, who is personally well known to me, to be a credible witness and disinterested, and made oath in due form of Law, to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed - I do also certify that I have carefully compared the dates and figures and circumstances by him within stated, with the Books and papers therein referred to by him, and am satisfied that they are the originals thereof and entered as he has stated.
William Lloyd Jr. Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Essex ss. Probate office.
I Nathaniel Lord junior, register of probate for said county, hereby certify, that William Lloyd esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of Josiah Adams purports to have been taken, is a justice of the peace for said county; and his name, subscribed to the certifi- cate thereon, is his genuine signature.
Given under my hand and seal of office this sixth day of July, A.D. 1840.
Nath. Lord Jr. 76

Self Josiah Adams

I Josiah Adams. of Newbury, in the county of Essex, (and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Eighty one years, and upwards, do hereby declare, that in the month of November one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, I was Adjutant of a regiment commanded by Colonel Jacob Gerrits, in the service of the United States, in the War of the rebellion - (and was at that time, well acquainted with Lieutenant John Farner, who then belonged to Billerica - and I do know that said John Farner was on duty in Captain Hunt's Company, in said Gerrits's regiment at Winter Hill, as early as the third of November of that year - and that he continued in that service, at Winter Hill, until the thirtieth of December, of the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight, after which he went with the other Officers & men to Enfield in Connecticut, after his return from Enfield - he again joined the Regiment with me - (and the regiment were discharged a short time afterwards - say about the first of January, following - I have a full and perfect recollection of the service of the time of John Farner as I have above stated - I was in the same room with him unmeasured together, and in habits of intimacy with him - his service, that I know of, is about fourteen months - said Farner was then a fine Lieutenant. Newbury Dec 18. 1883. Josiah Adams
Josiah Adams
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Essex ss. Term of Newbury, December 10th. 1838. Then personally appeared the above named Jacob Adams, who is personally well known to me, and made oath, in due form of law, to the truth of the above written deposition by him subscribed in my presence. I do also certify, that the said Jacob Adams is a credible witness.
W. W. Gann, Section of the year

Copy of note & Tax, (Billings taken book)

"At a legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabitants of Billerica, on Friday the 14 of April, 1777-
"The Committee appointed at the last meeting to propose some plan, to pay the additional bounty to such persons as shall now enlist into the Continental army, report in the following manner, viz."
First. That every person according to his interest shall be taxed to pay the additional bounty, to hire men to engage in the Continental Army-
4 th . That those, that engaged in the service at Cambridge for eight months in the year, 1775, be allowed credit for each man £ 3. 0. 0.
Voted, that the sum of 900 pounds, be granted as a tax to be levied on interest, as an additional bounty in order to raise men to go into the Continental Army.
"A List of a Town Rate made by the Assessors of Billerica as an additional Bounty to such persons as shall now enlist into the Continental Army April 8. 1777"
Names Rate Credit on said List of said Tax is the name of John Farmer as follows viz- "John Farmer Rate £ 10. 18. 10 Credit £ 3. 0. 0."
I, Marshall Preston of Billerica, in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby say that I hold the Office of Clerk at

Assessor in the said Town of Billerica, County and Commonwealth aforesaid, and that the foregoing are true Extracts from the Town Records of said Town
Marshall Preston. } Town Clerk and } assessor of said } Town of Billerica.
Middlesex p. June 26 th A.D. 1839-
Sworn to before me
John Baldwin Just. of the Peace

Mrs Farmer from Billings town book

At a legal town meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of Billerica on Friday the 12 of April 1777.
Debt Timothy Davenport. Moderator.
The Committee appointed at the last meeting to propose some plan to raise money to pay the additional bounty to such persons as shall now enlist into the Continental army Report in the following manner viz.
1 st . That every man, according to his interest shall be taxed to pay the additional bounty to him who so engage in the Continental army. 2 o . That each person that have lately arrived to the age of sixteen years be exempted from any part of the charges that hath already arisen by the late levys of men. 3 o . That each Landlord pay this tax upon the farms rented. 4 th . That those that engaged in the service at Cambridge for eight months, in the year 1775, be allowed credit for each man, £ 3.- 5 th . That those that served six weeks be allowed credit for each man. £ 1.- 6 th . Those that served two months have credit each man £ 1- 4. 7 th . Those that served in the Continental army in 1776 without him, have credit each man, £ 18.- 8 th . Those that went to Ticonderoga without him, have credit each man £ 12.-

9 th Those that went to lines, without him each man have credit £ 2.-
10 th Those that went to Newyork 2 months without him have credit each £ 6.
11 Those that went to Newyork 3 months without him have credit £ 12.-
Those men that have advanced money to him money into the army have credit for what money they paid.
Also we have exhibited a List of what each person hath done in the war.
Joseph Hile. Chair man.
The above report was accepted save the 2. article.
Voted that the sum of 900 Pounds be granted as a tax to be levied, or interest, as an additional Bounty in order to raise men to go into the Continental Army.
Voted and choon Capt Solomon Pollard Treasurer to receive the sum abovenamed & that the said Treasurer be im- powered in behalf of the town to borrow the sum of 900 pound for the purposes above mentioned.
Voted that the services done in the war by apprentices & sons under age be set to their Masters & fathers.
Voted that every person have credit for the money he hath paid and the service he hath done in the war.
Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Tuesday the 8 inst at two o'clock afternoon to this place.

A List of a Town Rate made by the Assessors of Billerica as an additional Bounty to such persons as shall so enlist into the Continental Army. April 8. 1777. for Ephraim Crosby Constable to collect.
In said List were the following names among others.
vis-
   Rate Credit.   $ 3 10 6 0 0     Oliver Abbott. 15 3 10 6 0 0   Jeremiah Allen 6 18 10 3 0 0   Scars Book 8 3 0 12 0   Will Danforth 7 8 3   Josiah Danforth 7 6 3   Joshua Frost 2 5 0 6   John French 12 10 0 6   Oliver Farmer 13 15 4 6   John Farmer 10 18 10 2 3 See 4 th Article   Brady Lewis 8 7 7 1 4   Isaac Marshall 7 8 7 1   John Lewis 9 3 2  
I hereby certify that the foregoing extracts of a record of a town Meeting & of a List of Taxes, are true extracts from the Town Records of said Town of Billerica taken from said Town's Book of Records now in my possession as the Town Clerk of said Town.
Marshall Preston. Town Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss - January 6 th A.D. 1841 Then personally appeared the within named Marshall Preston, Town Clerk of the Town of Billerica and made oath to the truth of the within certificate by him subscribed.
Before me John Baldwin Jus. of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sec. of Office Jan. 9. 1841
I hereby certify that the above named John Baldwin is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, and was such at the date of his attestation
John P. Digelee Secretary of the Commonwealth

Sarah Farmer
116#
3104
18
3070 Aug 14. 1842 Pembroke N.H. Aug 3 Mrs. Sarah Farmer, 43 D. St. H. Hon. Mr. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.
Mrs Sarah Farmer Pembroke N.H.

Sarah Farmer
116 3/4
3104
18
Free
Pembroke N.H.
Aug 3
Hon. Mr. Goddard
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
3070 Aug 14, 1844
Sarah Farmer
March 2/43
N.H.
Washington D.C.
Mrs Sarah Farmer
Pembroke
N.H.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Concord ss.
On this twenty eight day of June 1843. Personally appeared before
Aaron Whittimore a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Sarah Farmer , a resident of Pembroke in the County of Merrimack and State aforesaid, aged ninety two years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d day of March, 1843, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the Widow of John Farmer who was a private &c. during the Revolution in the
That she was a pensioner under the Act of 7th July, 1838, which she received at the rate of one hundred and sixty- teen dollars cents per annum,
She further declares that she is still a Widow.
Witness { Sarah Bowers
Sarah Farmer mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me.
Aaron Whittimore Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me, that she is a credible witness, whose statements are entitled to full credit.
Aaron Whittimore { Justice of the Peace

State of New-Hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, John Town Deputy Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Aaron Whittier is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the twentyfirst day of May 1837 and will expire on the twentyfirst day of May 1844 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this twenty eighth day of June A. D. 1843
John Town Deputy Secretary of State.

Address Mid w Sarah Farmer P.O. Pembroke New Hamp.
the of

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Israel W. Nutter is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the twenty first day of June 1839 and will expire on the twenty first day of June 1844 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this twelfth day of
February 1840
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State.

I Abraham Burbank of Boscawen in the County of Merrimack & State of New-Hampshire, depose & say that I have lived since the year 1807 within half a mile of Sarah Fawner of said Boscawen that she came from Billerica in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts into said Boscawen in the year 1807, with two children - to wit - John Fawner & Hannah Fawner, she was said to be the widow of Lieut John Fawner of said Billerica died & I know that she not married since she came into this town, is now living & is still called the widow Fawner. I believe her to be over eighty five years of age, she has been blind for many years past, but of late has partially recovered her sight. Abraham Burbank
I Simon B. Little of Boscawen aforesaid depose & say that I have been well acquainted with the above named Widow the Sarah Fawner, and her guardian to her grand children - to wit - the children of her late husband John Fawner, late of Boscawen aforesaid deceased - I know that she with her two children came from Billerica Massachusetts, that she is now living in said Boscawen & remains the widow of the above named Lieut John Fawner, late of said Billerica deceased - S B Little
I certify that the date of in the above affidavit of Abraham Burbank was altered so as be 1807 before signed & sworn to - also the word has was inserted before executed -
Israel W. Kelly Jos. Pease

State of New Hampshire.
Union ss. ss. September 7 th 1839.
Personally appeared the within named Abraham Burkbank & Simon B. Little, (who are both known to me as credible witnesses, & high reputation) and made oath in due form of Law, that the within affidavits, by them severally subscribed were true.
Before me Israel W. Kelley Jus. Peace
Simon B. Little

Alvin Brubaker James B. Little
I certify that Israel N. King is a Magistrate duly authorized in administration and that the signature Israel N. King purporting to be his is genuine
Frank Pierce notary

Alvin Brubaker
James B. Southey
I certify that Ismael W. King is a Magistrate duly authorized in administrative and that the signature Ismael W. King purporting to be his is genuine. J. Frank Pierce not.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Cheshire duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the twentyfourth day of November 1834 and will expire on the twentyfourth day of November 1839 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this fifteenth day of November 1839
Josiah Stevens Jr Secretary of State.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Horace Chase is an acting Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the county of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the Eighth day of Jan'y 18 33 and will expire on the fifteenth day of December 18 35 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this tenth day of February 18 40
Josiah Stevens Jr Secretary of State.

Nathan Hale Hunt
N. H.
Sarah Farmer 6674
widow of John
Act 7 July 1838
adm'd
8 mo 21 day Lieut
1867
Mr. Franklin Pierce Concord N.H.

I Nathan Hunt of Jaffrey in the County of Cheshire & State of New-Hampshire aged twenty eight years, depose and say, that, I am the son of Capt. Simon Hunt late of Acton in the County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts deceased, who was a Capt. in the Regt detachment stationed at Winter-hill to guard & Prospecthill, to guard the Hessian and German prisoners in the year 1777 & 1778. I went out from said Acton with my father when he first went which was the latter part of October or first part of November 1777. I remained in the company until about the first of April 1778 when my father sent me home to work on the farm & took my younger brother (Paul Hunt) to do my duty in the company. I well recollect that John Farnes of Billerica was a Lieut in the company & was there doing duty as Lieut when I went home. Nathan Hunt
I Paul Hunt of Jaffrey above mentioned aged seventy four years, the 20 th day, of this present month, depose & say that I am the son of the same Capt. Simon above named, & brother of the above named Nathan Hunt, that my father (the said Simon Hunt) called me to take the place of my brother, the aforesaid Nathan Hunt, in the company aforesaid about the first of April 1778. when I arrived at the camp John Farnes of Billerica was Lieut in the company & remained as a Lieut in said Company when the prisoners were march off to Enfield, which I think, was some time in the month of December 1778, and it is my belief that the said Lieut John Farnes was of the detachment & went with the guard, to escort the prisoners to Enfield &c.
Paul Hunt

State of New Hampshire.
Cheshire County ss. October 07 th 1830
Then the within named Nathan Hunt personally appeared and made oath in due form of law that the within affidavit by him subscribed was true.
Before me
Oliver Prescott Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss. October 07 th 1830.
Then personally appeared the within named Paul Hunt and made solemn affirmation in due form of law the within affidavit by him subscribed was true.
Before me
Oliver Prescott Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss. October 07 th 1830.
I certify that the within named Nathan Hunt & Paul Hunt, are both known to me as men of good character & credible witnesses
Oliver Prescott Justice of the Peace

Mr Edwards's letter
Fanny

Pension Office
March 11 1840
Sir,
Among the claims sent to this Office by H. Kelley, Esq. were those of Mrs Anna Kimball, formerly widow of Jonathan Ellsworth, and of Mrs Sarah Farmer, widow of John Farmer, decd.
Mrs Kimball alleges that said Ellsworth served in Capt. Higgin's company, in 1775; and also in the militia, in 1779, 1780, 1781. His name does not appear on Higgin's roll for 1775. The service is so vaguely set forth in the years, that no satisfactory examination of the rolls can be made. I will observe however that upon a list of 6 months men from Rowley, the residence of Mr Ellsworth, at that time, I find the names of Thomas & Mr Ellsworth, but not that of Jonathan. Further proof will be required.
In the case of Mrs Farmer, it is said that her late husband served 8 months in 1775, from Billerica, Mass. as a Lieut. having been previously in the Lexington Alarm; also that he performed service 1777 & 1778, in the same Capacity, in Capt. Simeon Hunt's Co.
The rolls of Capt. Edward Farmer bear the name of John Farmer, as a Lieut. in April 1775 for 8 days. No further trace of his name can be found in that year. His name, however, appears on Capt. Hunt's roll from July 1, 1778 to Dec 16, 5 months

16 days, as a Lieutenant: and although no further evidence of service is found in that year, it is highly probable that he served at that time 9 months.
The papers remain on our files for further proof.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your obedt. Servt. J. L. Edwards
Wm. Franklin Pierce, Senate, U. States.

Aug 15. 1870
Norfolk
FREE
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Resolutions Washington D.C.

Aug 15. 1840
No Syl
FREE
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Persians Washington D.C.

Concord N.H. Augt 10 1840
Dear Sir
Will you allow me to call your attention to a pension case prepared by J. W. Kelly Esq of this State and presented at your Bureau by myself - It is the case of Sarah Farmer widow of Lieut. John Farmer - Application under the law of 1808 - I think the last evidence was furnished a few days before I left Washington -
With much respect yr friend & Servt J. W. Kelly Esq
Hon J. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Senate Chamber July 17. 1840
Dear Sir
After an examination will you have the goodness to indorse to me at 6 o'clock M.H. Mr Kelly's letter and also yours to him-- Yrs & J. V. Pierce
Am H. Edwards Care of Pensions Washington D.C.

Sarah Farnen Mr Edwards. offer

Pension Office, February 3 rd 1841.
Sir,
I have re-examined the claim of Mrs. Sarah Farmer, widow of Lieut. John Farmer, deceased, but do not find it fully & satisfactorily sustained by the proof offered. It is alleged that he served as a Lieut. 8 months, in 1775, from the town of Billerica, Mass. — 8 months in 1777, with the Mass. militia, in the State of New York; and 14 months, in 1777 & 1778, with Capt. Simon Hunt's company, of Col. Jacob Gerrish's regiment of guards, at Cambridge, Mass.
In proof of these several allegations, the following is offered: 1st. The testimony of Jonah Adams, an adjutant in Gerrish's Regiment, as to the service in that regiment: 2d. A transcript from the records of the town of Billerica, to show that a person of the name of John Farmer, was credited £3.0.0 as a bounty for having served 8 months, in 1775: and 3 rd . Two receipts, signed by Thomas Brown, Jr. and Edward Farmer, Jr. for pay for 8 months' service in the militia, dated in June 1778: these persons acknowledge to have received their pay for this service of "Lt John Farmer". By the Mass. Rolls, it appears that Lt John Farmer turned out in a company from Billerica, on the alarm at Lexington, in April 1775, and served 8 days. No further service in that year, by him, is shown by the rolls. As the person above mentioned, who received the bounty of £3. was a private soldier, it is a matter of some doubt whether he was the same, or not, who served as Lieutenant in April of that year. The receipts above alluded to furnish no proof of the fact that John Farmer had served the 8 months in 1777-8; because there are other receipts for bounty, dated in May 1778, for nine months' service in the Continental Army,

which was also paid by "Lieut. John Farmer". (The service of these Continental men terminated in March 1779, and their names are found upon the roll.); and because Lieut. Farmer was in actual service in the guard under Col. Gerrish, from July 1778 to December 1778, and of course could not have been in the Continental line; the rolls of which also show that he was not. The fact, then, of his having paid some persons who had served in the militia in 1777-8, does not afford any just grounds for believing that he was himself also in the same service, and at the same time.
Isaac Adams testifies to the fact of his own knowledge, that said Farmer was a Lieut in Capt. Simon Hunt's company, Col. Gerrish's regiment, from Novr 1777 to January 1779, he himself being the adjutant. By a Staff Roll of Col. Brooks, it appears that Simon Hunt was stationed at Cambridge, from February 3 d to April 3 d 1778, in his regiment: the names of the other company officers, or of the men are not given. In July 1778, Simon Hunt, still at Cambridge with his company, was attached to Col. Gerrish's regiment; and served to December of that year, 5 months and 13 days, John Farmer being Lieutenant.
It appears also from the rolls, that Capt. Simon Hunt & Lt. John Farmer, of Col. Gerrish's regiment of Guanoes, at and near Cambridge, by a resolve of the General Court of May 1. 1779, were ordered to be paid; and were paid, in March 1780, for 5 mo. & 13 days' service; showing conclusively that this was all the service performed by Capt. Hunt in that Regiment. This inference is further justified by referring to the papers of Nathan Hunt, a pensioner, who declared that he served 5 months, from Novr 1777, in Capt.

Hunt's company, Col. Brock's regiment; and 6 months in the same company in Gerrish's regiment, in 1778.) In his present affidavit he states that he served from November 1777 to April 1778, and was sent home by his father, the Captain, and that his brother Paul took his place.
All the service, therefore, proved by the roll, is 8 days in 1775, and 5 months, and 13 days in 1778; to which I am willing to add the 3 months, from February 3 d to April 3 d 1778; making 8 months and 21 days.
Mr Kelley's letter is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your obed. servt. J L Edwards
Hon. Franklin Pierce, Senate, United States.

Concord N.H. October 31, 1842
Dear Sir
I inclose herewith your letter of Feb'y 3, 1841 in relation to the application of Mrs Sarah Adams widow of Lieut John Farnum - Judge Kelly, who is the agent of Mrs Farnum has always been quite confident that Lieut Farnum served for a longer period than was satisfactorily proved at the Department at the date of your letter, but the lapse of time, loss of records and death of those who served with Lieut Farnum render it impossible to supply further evidence - The widow therefore proposes to take a certificate for the time that you propose to allow, (to wit) 8 mos & 21 days - Will you please to send the certificate to me. Mrs Farnum lives within a few miles of this place and will receive the certificate more conveniently and promptly thro' me than in any other way. I thank you for your prompt.

attention to the business of Mrs Ridgeway with which I troubled you some time since
With much respect Yr friend & Servant
Frank Pule
Colo. H. Edwards Gov t of P. & P. Washington D.C.

July 7-1838
Hon. F. Price Senate U.S.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
His Excellency MARCUS MORTON, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth
To all whom it may concern:
Know Ye, That William Woart is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex; — John Baldwin and Marshall Preston are Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, (and they have been such for the year past) in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within Attestation is in due form, and by the proper Officer.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this twenty first day of January, A. D. 1840, and in the Sixty Fourth Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Edna Farm. Vol. 19 L 34 from Apr 29 to Nov 8 '77
Col Don Reed Re-inf the H army do p 38 29 Sep to Nov 8
do from Feb 20 78 to Feb May 20 78
(non com' tpm') Apr 1 to May 20 78 Vol 19 L 115
Edna Farm Care Dery Muench L.S.